He didn't go around the all-American linebacker; Green went through him.

Green delivered a punishing shot that got the rest of the Trojans all hyped for the play of the day, Pete Carroll said.

"My goal was to kill whoever was in the way," Green said.

Maualuga fell to the turf like he'd just been hit by a bulldozer. Quarterback Mark Sanchez ran over, stood on top of Maualuga and pronounced him KO'd by crossing his arms back and forth like a boxing referee.

"I had a good look at it," Travon Patterson said, "and I'm not sure Rey was going full speed.

"Still, that was some hit."

The play could have repercussions for the other Trojans.

"Thanks a lot Broderick," Patterson said. "You could tell Rey was a little mad. I'm sure he's looking to take it out on someone."

If the Trojans were getting ready to take on Ohio State this Saturday, this scene may have played out a little different. However, with the Trojans relaxing this weekend, the play was exactly what Carroll wants.

"(It's good to see) especially for a guy who is trying to make a mark," Carroll said. "Guys are getting an opportunity here to move themselves up in the eyes of the coaches.

Now, he knows that's not what Carroll and the rest of the staff want to see.

"We always hoped he'd run big and be the hammer," Carroll said. He maybe got caught up in trying to be like the other guys. Everyone has the quickness, and he's got the big body and the shoulder that can allow him to be that kind of player."

Green, running backs coach Todd McNair and Carroll all spoke about a need to change in Green's approach, and since the end of fall camp, it's showed.

"I just changed my mindset on football. Now, I'm trying to compete too," he said. "I felt I wasn't competing enough. I want to work my way onto the field. It's all about competing and I felt like I was getting out-competed.

"I'm tired of being the last man out."

Green's unhappiness is music to McNair's ears, as he's seen Green's intensity increase in the past weeks.

"He's got some pride about him. He doesn't like where he's at on the depth chart," McNair said. "If you're competitive, that's going to show. It's what we want.

"We don't want guys who will just lie down and accept defeat."

McNair said Green's on the road to accepting a more specialized role.

"He's got to." McNair said. "You know, there are offensive linemen who think they can be DB's. They like to dance; they dress nice. Are you kidding? You're a big, sloppy offensive lineman. Be who you are.